BANBURY United boss Mike Ford paid tribute to former Didcot Town legend and joint-manager Jamie Heapy, who was named on the bench for the Puritans’ 5-0 victory at Bishops Stortford on Saturday, writes MICHAEL KNOX.

The 38-year-old defender, who made more than 800 appearances for the Railwaymen over 19 seasons, joined the Evo-Stik South League Premier Division club’s coaching staff in November.

“Jamie used to come to watch matches, and I was pleased to get him involved in the coaching side,” said Ford.

“He has kept himself incredibly fit.

“Because of injuries, we have a shortage of players, so I had no hesitation in putting Jamie on the bench, although he has not come on yet.”

Heapy has again been named in an unchanged Banbury squad for their trip to Redditch tonight, when Ford hopes Elliot Sandy will add to the brace he scored at Stortford.

Didcot Town maintain their bid for the West Division play-offs when they entertain second-placed Salisbury City, while struggling North Leigh visit Cirencester Town.